TTS Talking Early Years Episode 20 | Speech and Language across the curriculum with Louisa Reeves
5 snips
Oct 30, 2025 Louisa Reeves, a speech and language therapist and Director at Speech and Language UK, shares her expertise on integrating communication skills into the curriculum. She emphasizes the pivotal role of teachers in adapting lessons to meet diverse student needs. Louisa discusses creating a communication-focused school culture and the importance of advocating for policy change to support language development. She also expresses hope for future progress and encourages educators to get involved in campaigns that bolster the voices of families and children with communication challenges.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Language Underpins All Learning
- Speech, language and communication underpin every curriculum subject because teaching is primarily oral.
- If children can talk about a concept confidently, they will be able to write about it and show learning.
Plan Curriculum Around Children’s Experiences
- When planning curriculum, check children's prior experiences and explicitly teach missing concepts like photosynthesis.
- Build time for children to demonstrate understanding through talk before expecting written outcomes.
Make Communication A School Priority
- Senior leaders should create a school culture where communication is valued and staff can assess age-typical language skills.
- Review policies (behaviour, inclusion, curriculum) to ensure they promote conversation and accessibility for communication needs.